Caldwell Police Chief Defends Himself, Department, After Posters Put Around Town

By Greg Pruett • February 26, 2025

Caldwell Chief of Police Rex Ingram is defending himself and the Caldwell Police Department after posters were plastered around parts of Caldwell asking for him to be fired.

The posters stated that the citizens of Caldwell stood with “Officer’s Butler and Douthit.” (Grammatical error is from poster.) Both Allison Butler and Nathan Douthit are two officers with pending litigation against the city, Caldwell P.D. and Ingram. Butler’s lawsuit was filed this month, and Douthit’s lawsuit was filed in November 2024. Ingram told Channel 2 news in Boise that the allegations are false.

Ingram’s email, obtained by Idaho Dispatch from a confidential source, is dated February 15, 2025, and appears to be addressed to the entire Caldwell P.D., Mayor Jarom Wagoner, and the Caldwell City Council. While the source we obtained the email from is confidential, the email itself would likely have appeared in a public records request, as none of the information would have prevented its release.

The email states in its entirety:

“I want to take a moment to recognize each of you for the incredible work you do every day. Over the past two and half years, we have built something special – something this community can truly be proud of. You have strengthened trust with those we serve, forged partnerships across the state and nation, improved your skills through training, and – most importantly – achieved real, measurable results in making Caldwell a safer place.

Unfortunately, there will always be those who seek to undermine our progress. The recent media headlines, misinformation circulated on local social media platforms, and malicious harassment by a very vocal minority do not define the dedicated professionals who work here day in and day out. It is all too easy to be distracted by individuals attempting to divide our community; however, this department and its mission are not defined by distractions or divisive tactics. We are defined by our commitment to service, integrity, and the unwavering belief that what we do matters. We fully respect those who choose to seek justice through the legal process and support their endeavors. However, what is occurring in our community is not aligned with the principles of the American judicial system; it is rooted in hate, division, and malice.

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Early this morning and under the cover of darkness, a group of masked, hooded individuals targeted our beloved downtown area and Indian Creek Plaza (private property), using it as a canvas to illegally plaster false and defamatory propaganda about me, referring to me as a “predator and thief.” As an American who genuinely believes in our Constitutional rights and encourages all to exercise those rights, I remind you that I, too, am entitled to those rights. This act was not only illegal it does not reflect our community values or our Idahoan way of life. This will not distract me from continuing to lead each of you and ensuring our community that it has never been safer than it is today!

Change is never easy. We inherited an agency in need of transformation, and together, we have built a department that values professionalism, accountability, and community engagement. With any significant cultural shift, there are those who put in the hard work, wear the badge with honor, and remain committed to our mission, regardless of the noise around us.

To those who continue to stand for what is right, I see you. I see your dedication, your sacrifice, and your commitment to this city and to one another. No headline, lawsuit, our outside agenda can take that away.

We will not be defined by the voices of a few who refuse to move forward. Instead, we will be defined by the work we do, the trust we earn, and the legacy we leave behind.

Keep showing up. Keep doing the job the right way. Keep proving, through your actions, why this department is one of the finest in the state. This is not the time to waiver; this is the time to press forward, to stay focused, and to continue being the officers and professionals this city deserves.

We are not going anywhere! We are just getting started, and I am honored to serve as your Chief.

Stay strong. Stay focused. Stay proud.

Be safe, and may God bless each of you and the Caldwell Police Department.

All the best,

REX R. INGRAM
Chief of Police
Caldwell Police Department”

(Note: The email was transcribed by Idaho Dispatch from the images we obtained. If there are errors from the original email, they are our mistake, and we will correct them if any are found.)

No suspects have been named in the poster incident.

Ingram previously served as a lieutenant with the Los Angeles Police Department. He was appointed as Caldwell’s Chief of Police on July 1, 2022.

Ingram’s appointment came after former Chief of Police Frank Wyant retired from the position, shortly after the F.B.I. announced it had begun investigating several officers within Caldwell P.D.

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